My passion for lactation started as a neonatal intensive care nurse caring for families with medical challenges and prematurity in the hospital. At the start of my career, I did not have children of my own and dedicated myself to finding the answers to support and maintain their breastfeeding plans through the continuum of medical management to discharge home. I later had my own two children with oral tethered tissues, torticollis, and long-term reflux. I have worked in the lactation role as an inpatient board-certified lactation consultant for the last eight years of my 17 years as a nurse. During this time, I cared for intensive care infants, pediatrics, and well newborns. I was blessed to work alongside a physical therapist in the NICU that introduced me to bodywork. I expanded my experience to the outpatient setting in the clinic to help families beyond the initial foundational work of latch and positioning after delivery when things really start to become mentally and physically overwhelming adjusting to motherhood. In this time, I gained experience in partnering with families to create breastfeeding plans that fit their family needs and overcome their unique challenges. Feeling competent enough to trust their invested work and communication with their infant are the most commonly reported challenges to breastfeeding for new parents. It's a very vulnerable time of adjustment with overwhelming social media and societal influences to tease through. I have experience with oral anatomy restrictions, cranial and neck restrictions, and reflux challenges that further complicate getting the optimal latch and positioning. I find value in collaborating with parents to assist with informed decisions in their lactation journey and directing them to resources for further treatments. I provide the lactation support and when appropriate a gentle bodywork using Gillespie Craniosacral Fascial Therapy to work on these areas of restrictions. I am passionate about navigating these challenges together because, as a parent myself, I truly believe we put the most effort into the things we value the most.